February 9, 2019
Interview Questions
Sandra: Do you remember the first book you read that had an impact on you – in what way and what was the name of that book?
John: If my memory serves me, it was Peter Pan. The impact is that the child inside me got to come out and play. It restored my belief in magic.
Sandra: When did you first realize you wanted to write?
John: For many years I tried to get project to direct and never seemed to get anywhere – Then one night I realized that one of the ways to get what I wanted (being attached as the director) was to write my own scripts…then it turned into writing novels, and I have never looked back. I found writing to be very freeing.
Sandra: Who is/are your favorite author(s)?
John: So many it is hard to list them all but: Billy Wilder – Robert Towne – William Goldman – Dan Brown – Nora Ephron – Aaron Sorkin – Stanley Kubrick – Bo Goldman – The list goes on and on.
Sandra: What is your favorite and least favorite thing writing?
John: My favorite thing is to create stories with well developed characters – I like getting lost in their world and watching how it changes. At some point in my writing I am not in control…it just takes over and off we go. – My least favorite thing is when I know I have an idea but the words don’t want to come out where i am happy with the material – that is where the rewrite – rewrite and then rewrite happens.
Sandra: Where do your ideas come from?
John: Some from life’s experience and some just pop into my head – Those are the ones I don’t question, just thank the idea for coming to me.
Sandra: I’ve often found that creative people have more than one talent, what is yours?
John: Besides writing, I love directing films, playing music – guitar, sitar, saxophone, and harmonica (recorded 6 original songs), and building things (love wood working).
Sandra: If you could jump inside of a book for one day (as an observer) what book would it be?
John: I gave this tons of thought and came up blank – Writer block? LOL
Sandra: When you create characters are they completely made up or do they resemble or remind you of people you know?
John: It is usually a mix of both – My life has been rich with characters entering and leaving so I have a wealth of traits to draw from. When I was young, I use to sit in Washington Square in New York City and watch people walking about – I would make up stories about their lives –
Sandra: Have you ever created a character “out of thin air” only to run into someone in real life that reminds you of that character either in personality or their features?
John: Not really.
Sandra: What are you working on now and can you tell us about it?
John: I recently released two novels. “Christmas Voices” – A cross between “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and “A Christmas Carol.” The other is “No Solicitors,” which I also wrote, directed and produced the film (recently released and available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Wal-mart, Target and other outlets). My newest novel (in its last stage of polish) is called “When The Rain Stops.” The best way to describe this book is what I wrote as an Author’s Note:
This is not a book about a movie-star, a famous athlete, a celebrity, or a hero. I’m just a guy living day to day who survived childhood traumas that cut deep and left permanent scars.
This book is about how I dealt with my pain and what lead to my decision to have a healthy and wonderful life. I have tried my best to be truthful and honest.
I want to reach everyone who suffers or knows someone who suffers from abandonment issues, depression, loneliness, and/or suicidal thoughts. I understand what you are going through and want you to know there is hope. I believe that only you can change. I did.
I did not write this book to make money, but if I save one life then I will consider it a best seller. Be strong and know others have risen from the darkest depths to live a happy, loving, and successful life. Above all, never give up on yourself.
I have changed many of the name(s) to protect the innocent and some of the not-so-innocent. The greatest gift is to enjoy your life fully. This, then, is my story.